Rowing Machines

[TigerDragon]

Hi

I am looking to buy a rowing machine for home use and was wondering what the best type is to buy? I am basically wanting it for regular cardio work as I am looking to lose some weight.

When looking at them online, you've got Hydraulic, Magnetic, Air etc, just wondering if someone can tell me the differences for working out between these?

Thanks

[Colucci]

I've always considered rowing to be one of the most effective and most under-rated methods of cardio. Full-body workout, zero-impact, and actively engages and uses the upper body pulling muscles (not generally worked in cardio, and a nice balance for martial artist who do a lot of punching.)

The Concept 2 (www.concept2.com) is one of the more well-known brands, and it seems to be the favorite of the whole Crossfit gang. They're durable, easy-enough to store, and not exceptionally loud when being used.

I'm not too familiar with hydraulic or magnetic rowers, but I have seen water-resistance. The WaterRower (http://www.waterrower.co.uk/en/home.htm) has a pretty unique feel, much like rowing out on a lake or something, but the machine didn't feel 100% sturdy.

[spirez]

Concept 2s have been in every gym and health club i've ever been in so would say they're a pretty safe bet! Pricey though.

[TigerDragon]

I was looking at the Concept 2's, but they are expensive, I'm not sure I could stretch that far and buy one. Are there any others out there that are cheaper?

[Colucci]

I'd keep an eye on craigslist.org and ebay. I know lots of people who've found a ton of equipment through both of them. Other than that, if there are any fitness equipment stores in your area, you might be able to make the manager an offer for the floor model. It's usually gently used, so it should be cheaper.

[RyanHJMS]

I purchased a Kettler Kadett (Outrigger Style) rower about a year ago. I bought it because it actually uses a complete rowing motion. I like it and it works well. The biggest drawback is that even folded closed it takes up more space than I would like.

[JohnnyX]

Concept 2 are the best ......

Olympic Rowers train on them. (Club Rowers do as well).

Indoor World Records are done on them.

I use one at my Gym and you certainly can get an excellent workout on one.

Cheers,

[Tom@Foresight]

I would agree!

Go for the tried and tested COncept 2!

TOM

[TigerDude]

Concept 2's are very cheap for what you get. This is a gym-quality piece of equipment.

[NeilX66]

Concept recently released the Model D (all shiny white and blue rather than black), and many gyms/ health clubs are selling off their model C , so you could pick up a bargain, I haven't been to the site for a while but I recall Concept themselves selling refurbished Model C's with a guarantee fairly cheaply, they have a long footprint when assembled so make sure that you have enough space for it

Neil